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100% Success Rate for Sleep Apnea Surgery?

Maxillo-mandibular advancement (MMA) surgery has been around a long time for obstructive sleep apnea. It has a good track record with high success rates raging from 80-95%. Here’s a study showing that that the success rate was 100%. In Dr. Prinsell’s 50 patients, the apnea hypopnea index (AHI) dropped from 59 to 5, and the apnea index (AI) dropped from 35 to 1. Success was defined as the AHI < 15, AI < 5, and the low oxygen saturation > 80%, and the AHI and AI dropping more than 60%.

MMA surgery is one of the bread and butter procedures for most oral surgeons. However, different surgeons have different success rates for obstructive sleep apnea. If you’re considering this procedure, ask about results specifically for obstructive sleep apnea.

One thing to note is that just because the AHI dropped significantly doesn’t mean that you’ll always feel dramatically better, or that the results will last for a long time. These are issues that need to be addressed, like with any surgical procedure for obstructive sleep apnea.

7 thoughts on “100% Success Rate for Sleep Apnea Surgery?”

I completely agree that the 100% success rate figure quoted in this paper is not true for the typical sleep apnea patient (where the success rates are in the 80-95% range, as you mention). I perform MMA and believe that it is a very useful procedure for the treatment of obstructive sleep apnea. However, the substantial risks and recovery period require caution before recommending it as the only sleep apnea surgery, as a review paper supported by the American Academy of Sleep Medicine has done. Basically, it is somewhat similar to using a sledgehammer to drive in a nail. My own research has shown that many patients will flat-out refuse it, and there are certainly many other surgical options for those patients who cannot tolerate CPAP.

It depends on how your doctor defines sleep apnea surgery. He’s most likely talking about UPPP only, which has less than a 40% chance of success, but it can help with snoring. If you add the tongue base area, success rates can be much higher. The maxillomandibular advancement procedure that Dr. Kezirian mentions is in the 80 to 90% range. The tracheotomy is nearly 100% successful. Therefore, it’s inaccurate to say that sleep apnea surgery doesn’t work. You can also argue that CPAP doesn’t work, since the vast majority of people don’t continue using it long-term. There are pros and cons for every approach, and treatment has to be customized for each individual.

Your potential candidacy for sleep apnea surgery will depend on a thorough examination and evaluation of your sleep study by a qualified sleep apnea surgeon. Ultimately, it will depend on your upper airway anatomy, various other risk factors for surgery, and your weight.

I was diagnosed with having with having Moderate to Severe about 8-10 years ago. The doctor that was an ENT that I was seeing at the time. I had UPPP surgery which helped reduce my snoring loudness. I had to wear a temporary Trache for x number of weeks. Since then I have had at least 4 or 5 Sleep Studies and have been using a CPAP . I have had a lot of trouble with mask leakage and also have tried Oral Appliances with a local dentist. Right now, my AHI is around 25-30 most nights.;.One question I have if you have Central Apnea as well as OSA would I qualify for MMA or some other alternative surgery? I also have a large longue the have responded to me

I seem to be having more and more health issues that I’m wondering may have a connection with my sleep apnea. High blood pressure, low blood sugar, neuropathy in feet and legs, declined libido, poor memory, concentration, prostate issues, low testosterone, erectile dysfunction, low energy. My gosh what a list !! . Any thoughts would be appreciated.

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Dr. Steven Y. Park is an author and surgeon who helps people who are always sick or tired to once again reclaim their health and energy. For the past 13 years in private practice and 4 years in academia, he has helped thousands of men and women breathe better, sleep better, and live more fulfilling lives.

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